Employ Older Americans Week

As the fastest-growing sector of today’s workforce, older Americans age 55 and older play a vital role in today’s workforce - a trend DOL says will continue through the 21st century.

Experience Works Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) joins the U.S. Department of Labor in celebrating the contributions of older workers during National Employ Older Workers Week, through this Saturday.

By 2014, 41 percent of Americans 55 or older will be employed, making up over 21% of the U.S. labor force. The Committee on Economic Development indicates that employers rate older workers high on characteristics such as judgment, commitment to quality, attendance, and punctuality. National Employ Older Workers Week aims to increase awareness of this labor segment and develop innovative strategies to tap it.

Since 1965, Experience Works SCSEP has been a highly effective program, assisting many Oklahomans like Nelda Cain local Shawnee resident. Through a community service assignment with the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Cain is updating her skills in the retail and customer service area. She greets visitors, answers many questions concerning the museum and handles the sales at the museum gift shop.

“Cain will not only gain new and updated skills during her training assignment at the museum she can use this opportunity as a springboard to a permanent job with a local employer,” says Employment and Training Coordinator, Sharon Abbott. “It’s our goal to help older Oklahomans get the skills they need to be successful, while offering employers skilled and qualified candidates for local job openings.”

“Older workers have always been valued employees because of their skills, work ethic, versatility, and ability to mentor other employees,” says Sharon Abbott, Employment and Training Coordinator for Experience Works.

For more information on how older workers can benefit your business call 1-877-314-7568 or Oklahoma State Office 918-623-1460 or visit www.experienceworks.org.